NANTWICH'S first responders team has been given vital aid in its bid to safeguard the town's health.

The eight-strong team, which is attached to the Mersey Regional Ambulance Service (MRAS), plays an important role by tending to accident victims or other potential fatalities until an ambulance arrives.

This week it took delivery of a new four-wheel-drive vehicle, on permanent loan, from Car Exchange of Hurleston, Nantwich.

First responder co-ordinator Gavin Palin said: 'Car Exchange have loaned us a SsangYong Rexton, a superb vehicle which can deal with any terrain, and will enable us to reach people in trouble no matter where they may located.

'Nantwich Town Council is providing £1,000 toward the vehicle's insurance.

'It is a fantastic boost to us, replacing our old Vauxhall Astra, which was on its last legs.'

Paul Schofield, who has run Car Exchange and Car Transplants with his brothers John and Mark for the past 30 years, said: 'When Gavin and the town council approached us a short whole ago we were delighted to help.

'Gavin's team has, I am sure, helped to save numerous lives since it was set up in 2001, and such an organisation obviously needs all the help it can get.

'The SsangYong Rexton is more than capable of doing the job and will get help to anyone, no matter what the terrain.

'We are also pleased that another local company, MC Signs (UK) Ltd, supplied and fitted the graphics.' The first responders team was created as part of the NHS Trust's commitment to continually improving clinical care.

Trained by the ambulance service, each first responder has received intensive instruction in life-support and automatic external defibrillation.

The group is issued with pagers, mobile phones and radios and kitted out with state-of-the-art life-saving equipment, including a defibrillator, oxygen unit, first-aid kit and direct radio link to emergency control.

Mike Jackson, director of clinical care at MRAS, said: 'We are delighted that the group will have the use of the new vehicle, as clearly this will enhance their ability to reach patients in need of their support, prior to a paramedic crew arriving.

'The role of first responders cannot be overstated. The sight of a calm and caring person who can offer basic emergency care is a great help to the vast majority of patients.'

Mr Palin added: 'Sometimes an ambulance may have a considerable distance to travel to reach a patient. If we can arrive first and take care of people until the paramedics arrive we can play a vital part in the chain of recovery.'

Anyone wanting to know more about the team can ring Gavin Palin on 07989 606396.